AI-RAN meets AI Packet Core: A5G Networks, zTouch Networks, and Northeastern University Achieve Seamless Integration

BOSTON, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A5G Networks, zTouch Networks, and Northeastern University are pleased to announce the successful integration of the zTouch AI-powered automation and network optimization framework (zTouch.OS) with the A5G AI-driven mobile packet core, executed within Northeastern University's AI-RAN over-the-air private 5G network.

zTouch.OS is a next-generation cellular network operating system designed to simplify and automate AI-and-RAN and AI-for-RAN operations. It provides an O-RAN-compliant automation and networking platform, integrating RAN Intelligent Controllers (RICs), rApps, xApps, and dApps to enable real-time network control and reconfiguration. By leveraging advanced AI algorithms, zTouch.OS optimizes the allocation of spectrum, GPU, and RAN resources, ensuring compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) while enabling seamless coexistence of RAN and AI workloads. The system also features a natural language-driven control interface, allowing users to specify network intents, which are dynamically translated into AI and RAN configuration policies, adapting to evolving user demands in real time.

This milestone demonstrates the potential of AI-native, end-to-end connectivity across private and public networks, setting the stage for the future of 5G and beyond.

The A5G mobile packet core is fully cloud-native and compliant with 3GPP Release 17 specifications. It supports many AI/ML-based optimizations and connects 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi devices. Some notable ML-based optimizations enabled by A5G are paging optimization, handover optimization, anomaly detection, traffic classification, and deep packet inspection, among many others. A5G's mobile core software offers enterprises and service providers an efficient way toward a cost-effective deployment across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. The A5G mobile core is a secure and highly scalable packet core. It can be used for small to large deployments for IoT, private networks, smart cities, connected car networks, MEC, and public networks to provide an optimized service experience.

As 5G, AI/ML, and edge computing continue to shape the future of telecommunications, this collaboration between A5G Networks, zTouch Networks, and Northeastern University represents a significant step toward intelligent, autonomous network deployments that are both flexible and cost-effective in real-life environment. The team is also pleased to partner with Ekiva Ltd, based out of Egham, United Kingdom on the go-to-market side to work with market data towards a potential launch.

"Through this engagement, zTouch Networks, Northeastern University, and A5G Networks will collaborate to make network deployments flexible and cost-effective with A5G's autonomous and converged packet core software and Northeastern University's AI-RAN innovations."
– Rajesh Mishra, Founder and CEO, A5G Networks

"We are committed to revolutionizing 5G and beyond via AI-driven network automation. This partnership underscores our mission to simplify AI and RAN operations while ensuring optimal resource utilization and SLA compliance. Together, we are paving the way for the next generation of intelligent, autonomous networks. "
– Salvatore D'Oro, Founder, zTouch Networks

"This collaboration exemplifies the power of AI-native networking and its role in shaping the future of wireless communication. By integrating AI-driven automation with AI-RAN and AI-core solutions, we are building the foundation for scalable next-generation networks that run on edge compute infrastructure and are fundamentally more adaptive to dynamic user and low-latency application needs."
– Tommaso Melodia, William L. Smith Professor, Northeastern University and Director, Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things

"We are excited about the potential of this AI-native integration for real-world deployments. As we move forward with implementing this solution at an undisclosed location, we anticipate significant improvements in automation, efficiency, and overall network performance which will help us provide seamless NAAS/PAAS/SAAS solutions seamlessly. This marks a key step toward the future of autonomous, AI-driven mobile networks and services. "
– Dr. Aristides Safeca, Chairman, Ekiva Limited

About A5G Networks Inc.
A5G Networks Inc. is a leader and innovator in autonomous mobile core software. The company is headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, USA, and has offices in Pune, Maharashtra, India. A5G Networks is pioneering secure and scalable 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi software to enable the distributed network of networks.

To learn more about A5G Networks, visit www.a5gnet.com

About zTouch Networks

zTouch Networks is a Boston-based spinoff of Northeastern University based on years of research funded by the U.S. Federal Government. zTouch Networks has developed an AI automation framework to provide advanced services and applications for open, programmable, and virtualized wireless systems by simplifying and streamlining how cellular networks are deployed, monitored, and controlled.

To learn more about zTouch Networks, visit www.ztouchnet.com 

About the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University.  

The Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (WIoT) at Northeastern University is an interdisciplinary research center, a think tank, and a technology incubator promoting advancement in the areas of connected systems and their societal applications and implications. For more information, visit:  https://wiot.northeastern.edu/

SOURCE Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things